Since 1996, Calgary’s The Dudes have been melting faces with their no-holds-barred approach to ham-fisted drum fills and max-volume guitar riffs. Known for a wild live show – wherein it’s hard to distinguish if the audience or the band is having more fun – The Dudes offer up refreshingly hilarious lyrics to compliment their rock wattage.

With their debut LP Spaced Out lauded by Pitchfork as “energetic and manic” and “fueled by a sugar high” The Ketamines are at the forefront of the new underground scene that is storming clubs and basement shows across Canada. Combining reckless punk attitude with pounding fun hooks, the band’s energetic live show lurches and oozes with perfect pop sensibilities. Backed by front man Paul Lawton’s Mammoth Cave records label, The Ketamines have since been picked up by premiere garage rock labels in the U.S. such as Hozac and Southpaw.

Having relocated to Montreal from Saskatoon, minimalist weirdo-thrash duo Aunty Panty play jarring punk rock with a live set that typical devolves into screamy harshness, clangy guitars and the occasional onstage steamed wiener.

Having released a four-song EP on Calgary’s Bart Records, Saskatoon’s Auld Beak have since left behind their hardcore roots for a more pop-based destination without shedding their trademark grit and muck.